AwakenDo Foundation · 2026 Flagship Program
AwakenDo International Forum on Sports, Music & Education
Different paths. One conversation on growth, education, character and opportunity.
About the Forum
Sports, music and education in one interdisciplinary day
The AwakenDo International Forum brought together athletes, coaches, artists, educators and young participants at UCLA. Through fencing conversations, music masterclasses, a moderated roundtable and a closing concert, the program explored how discipline, mentorship, creativity and cultural exchange can open different paths toward a brighter future.
The forum reflects AwakenDo Foundation’s broader commitment to arts education, youth development, cultural exchange and interdisciplinary initiatives—creating meaningful connections among people, ideas and opportunities.
Program at a Glance
An afternoon of learning, dialogue and performance
Fencing Program
Foil, épée and sabre perspectives on athletic growth, college education, character and family support.
Music Masterclasses
Piano and violin coaching sessions with young musicians.
Young Musicians Roundtable
Perspectives on artistic growth, mentorship and opportunity.
Closing Concert
A short artist showcase celebrating mentorship, collaboration and cultural exchange.
Fencing Program
Three Weapons, Three Paths, One Conversation on Growth
Foil, épée and sabre became three lenses for exploring pressure, educational pathways, decision-making and personal development.
Nick Itkin
Olympic Medalist · Two-Time NCAA Men’s Foil Champion
Nick reflected on training, college competition and the Olympic stage, including choices under pressure, responses to wins and losses, and the mental reset between bouts.
- Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic medalist
- NCAA Men’s Foil Champion, 2018 and 2019
- Founder, Nick Itkin Foundation and Los Angeles International Fencing Center
- Takeaway: Carrying discipline and resilience into school, work and daily life.
Carla Corbit
Coach · Program Leader · 2016 NCAA Coach of the Year
Carla explained the U.S. school and collegiate fencing landscape and how training, competition and academic planning can work together.
- Former Head Fencing Coach, Caltech
- UCLA Fencing Coach and Program Coordinator, Geffen Academy at UCLA
- Club Manager and Épée Coach, Beverly Hills Fencers’ Club
- USA Fencing Level 3 Certified Coach; 20+ years of experience
Yi Wu & Zeyu Wu
Rules · Tactics · Athlete Development
An accessible introduction to target area, right of way and attack-and-defense patterns, including a live father-and-son demonstration.
- Yi Wu (武艺): National First-Class Referee in China; three consecutive national championship years; advocate for fencing education and international exchange.
- Zeyu Wu (武泽雨): USA Fencing B-Class fencer; R2 referee; national youth champion with regional titles in the U.S. and China.
Music & Education
Masterclasses and artistic exchange
Young musicians participated in piano and violin masterclasses before artists, educators and regional representatives gathered for a conversation about healthy artistic growth.
Elsha Zhu
Student: Grace Hao
- J. S. Bach — Prelude in C Major, BWV 846
- Muzio Clementi — Sonatina in C Major, Op. 36, No. 3, I. Spiritoso
Ruizhe Zhong
Piano: Ruth Yuan
- Sunsets in Savannah
Zixiang Li
Students: Ruth Yuan and Aubrey Jiang
- Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
- Padre Martini — Gavotte
Music Competitions and Young Musicians
Perspectives on Growth and Opportunity
The discussion considered how competitions can support artistic growth, mentorship, healthy motivation and access to future opportunities.
5:30–6:00 PM · Artist Showcase
Closing Concert
A short open-mic program celebrating mentorship, collaboration and cultural exchange.
Work With AwakenDo
Partnership & Sponsorship
AwakenDo welcomes mission-aligned educational, cultural, community and institutional partners who share our commitment to arts education, youth development, cultural exchange and interdisciplinary learning. Sponsorship and in-kind support can expand access, support participating artists and educators, document program impact and sustain future forums.
Presented by AwakenDo Foundation. The music section was developed with Concert Star. Venue: UCLA James West Alumni Center.
Event Archive
Media, Press & Recap
Event photography, selected video highlights, press coverage and a concise forum recap will be added as materials are prepared.